Using a stress ball to reduce anxiety during fetal monitoring in pregnant women

The Effect of Stress Ball on Anxiety, Comfort and Non Stress Test Parameters of Pregnant Women During Non Stress Testing: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University · NCT06741254

This study tests whether using a stress ball can help reduce anxiety and improve comfort for pregnant women during fetal monitoring.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorGaziantep Islam Science and Technology University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Gaziantep)
Trial IDNCT06741254 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of using a stress ball on anxiety levels, comfort, and non-stress test (NST) parameters in pregnant women undergoing NST procedures. NST is a noninvasive method used to assess fetal wellbeing, but high anxiety can lead to inaccurate results. By providing a stress ball, the study aims to distract and comfort participants, potentially improving their NST outcomes. The research focuses on women aged 18-35 with singleton pregnancies who have previously experienced NST.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Turkish-speaking, literate women aged 18-35 with singleton pregnancies who are at least 32 weeks gestation and have had NST at least once before.

Not a fit: Patients with high-risk pregnancies, psychiatric disorders, or those unable to communicate effectively may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the comfort and accuracy of fetal monitoring for pregnant women, leading to better maternal and fetal health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on stress ball use in labor and pain management, this specific application during NST is novel and has not been previously tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* To be between the ages of 18-35,
* Turkish as the mother tongue,
* Being literate, having a singleton pregnancy,
* She has had NST at least once before,
* 32 weeks or more gestation,
* Being multiparous,
* Having eaten at least two hours before the NST procedure,
* Volunteering to participate in the research.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having a high-risk pregnancy,
* Having a psychiatric disorder,
* Being pregnant with an urgent NST result,
* Smoking or drinking alcohol at least two hours before the NST procedure,
* Having any problem that prevents communication (such as hearing, speaking, ability to understand), having a visual, hearing, speech, physical or mental disability.

Where this trial is running

Gaziantep

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnxietyComfort
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.